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Celtx 2.0 released

The Celtx splash screen.
Celtx 2.0, an open source media pre-production and screenwriting application, has been released. Celtx is an XUL application writing tool that includes several built in project templates to help users develop their stories. The application helps users get their ideas from concept to production, using pre-visualisation tools, like storyboards. Version 2.0 includes several new features, changes and bug fixes. Celtx is released under the Celtx Public License Version 1.3 (CePL) which consists of the Mozilla Public License Version 1.2 with additional amendments.

The Celtx developers have based the new release on Firefox 3 source code, allowing them to use the new TraceMonkey Javascript engine, resulting in much faster loads times and improved behaviour for all features. The code update means that the release is no longer compatible with Mac OS X 10.3.x or earlier versions.

Celtx Screenplay tab view.
Improvements include changes and updates to the 'Adapt To' feature, calendar, catalog sorting and support for Windows Aero. A new automatic RDF fixer is included to repair corrupted RDF files due to illegal characters (usually added from cut and paste actions). Sunbird 0.8 code is now the basis for the Celtx Calendar and Production Schedule modules, improving the interface while providing greater stability.

Toolbox is a new feature in 2.0 that allows users to customise Celtx with Add-Ons / extensions for their particular needs. New tools are expected to be added regularly. Non-english dictionaries have been made available for users who are writing and working in several different languages. Interested developers can create Add-Ons directly for submission to the Celtx project. Details on creating Add-Ons can be found in the developers section of the Celtx web site.

Celtx Storyboard tab view.
Version 2.0 adds Celtx Studios, a set of web services designed to work with Celtx. Celtx Studios provides web based access and storage to projects. Collaboration, archiving, and online previews for producers, financiers and others are also included. A new option to 'Save to Studio' has been added to simplify the upload process to the online web service. The online services are currently free during a short commercial beta and personal accounts have a 5GB storage limit. At the end of the beta period, a subscription will cost $50.00 per year.

Further details can be found in the release notes and a video tour is available. Version 2.0 is currently available for download in 29 different languages for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.